INTHEBLACK October 2026 - Magazine - Page 10
FAST FOCUS
SINGAPORE RANKS HIGH FOR STARTUPS
A new report shows Singapore is surging ahead as a leading
startup ecosystem, ranking fourth globally and recording
the highest ecosystem growth of any country in the top 10.
Findings of the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2026 by
StartupBlink ranks countries based on factors such as investment
activity, exits, “unicorns” (startups valued at over US$1 billion)
and ecosystem infrastructure. It describes Singapore as one
of the world’s most vibrant innovation hubs, supported by
a dynamic ecosystem of more than 4500 technology startups
and more than 220 incubators. Singapore has a startup
United
States
United
Kingdom
Israel
Singapore
Canada
ecosystem value of US$292.1 billion (A$413.7 billion) and
is home to 19 unicorns.
Meanwhile, Australia has rejoined the top 10, ranking ninth
place. The report shows its startup ecosystem is now valued
at US$195.2 billion (A$276.4 billion). Australia is home to
eight unicorns.
The world's top 10 startup ecosystems, according to the
report, are shown below.
Read the report
Sweden
Germany
Switzerland
Australia
The
Netherlands
CFOS ARE PLAYING
IT SAFE
Australia’s finance chiefs entered FY27
with a higher degree of caution according
to results of Deloitte’s June 2026
CFO Sentiment Report, which shows
uncertainty has spiked to 93 per cent
and only 26 per cent of CFOs believe
now is a good time to take on risk.
Uncertainty may also be causing more
CFOs to focus on growth in existing
markets. The report shows that acquiring
new customers in existing geographies
is the standout priority for 60 per cent
of respondents, while 38 per cent are
focused on increasing sales to their
existing customers.
Scaling the use of AI is also proving
a challenge. The report shows that while
90 per cent of organisations are using
AI in some form, only 16 per cent report
extensive use.
Read the report
10 INTHEBLACK October 2026
